The London Assembly today urged the Mayor to establish a key worker housing strategy to provide homes for nurses and paramedics. A report by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) last year showed that 14% of London NHS nursing posts are vacant, while the London Ambulance Service is recruiting over 100 paramedics from Australia and New Zealand to fill gaps in its workforce. Dr Onkar Sahota AM, who proposed the motion said: “I support the ongoing campaign by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to secure a fair deal for nurses. It is disappointing that the Government dismissed the recommendation of the Independent Pay Review Body, by refusing to give nurses the full 1% pay rise they deserve. “In December the RCN report found that 14% of London NHS nursing posts are vacant. One major cause is the high living costs in the capital. The Mayor needs to establish a key worker housing strategy and set out plans to better support nurses, paramedics and other key workers with the cost of living, so that they can afford to live in London and continue to serve Londoners.” The full text of the Motion is here. Notes to editors:

The motion was agreed by 15 votes for to 4 against at a meeting of the full Assembly today.

Dr Onkar Sahota AM who proposed the motion is available for interviews. Please see contact details below.

As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

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